Fostering Change

On this episode of Fostering Change, Rob Scheer is joined by leaders and advocates working directly with young people transitioning out of foster care: Sarah Baumgartner of Anthem Blue Cross and Blue Shield, Brian Robinson of Kids’ Voice of Indiana, and Princess Martinez Casanova, a foster youth leader and member of the Youth Impact Board at Kids’ Voice. For Comfort Cases, partnerships have always been central to the mission. The organization’s first corporate Packing Parties began in Indiana with Elevance Health and Anthem Blue Cross and Blue Shield in 2008. Since then, Anthem has remained a longstanding partner, demonstrating an ongoing commitment to corporate responsibility and to supporting children and youth experiencing foster care. Today, that commitment continues through collaboration with Kids’ Voice of Indiana, working together to raise the voice of youth transitioning out of foster care by creating resources, providing transition support, and expanding opportunities for education and career advancement. As Foster Care Awareness Month approaches in May, this conversation highlights the importance of recognizing the needs of young people preparing to age out of the system — and the role partnerships play in helping them build strong, independent futures. Episode Highlights The importance of supporting youth as they transition out of foster care How corporate partnerships can expand resources and opportunities for young people The role of Kids’ Voice of Indiana in advocating for older youth and preparing them for independence The impact of mentorship, advocacy, and youth voice in shaping better outcomes Real-life success stories, including pathways to higher education and career development About the Guests Sarah Baumgartner is the Older Youth Case Manager on the Foster Care Team at Anthem Indiana Behavioral Health Services. She brings more than 20 years of experience in mental health, including residential treatment, school-based counseling, and private practice. Her work focuses on supporting older youth as they transition from foster care to adulthood. Brian Robinson is the Director of Older Youth Initiatives for Kids’ Voice of Indiana. With more than 25 years of experience working with children and families, including serving as a Guardian ad Litem since the early 1990s, he centers his work on preparing older youth in foster care for independence. Princess Martinez Casanova is a bilingual education advocate, foster youth leader, and member of the Youth Impact Board at Kids’ Voice of Indiana. After immigrating from Mexico as a teenager and entering foster care at fourteen, she is now attending DePauw University on a full scholarship, studying Education Studies and Spanish, and advocating for foster youth and immigrant communities. About the Work The collaboration between Anthem Blue Cross and Blue Shield and Kids’ Voice focuses on: Transition support for youth aging out of foster care Elevating youth voice and advocacy Expanding access to education and career pathways These efforts reflect a shared commitment to helping young people move from foster care into adulthood with the tools, support, and opportunities they need to succeed. Connect & Learn More Kids’ Voice of Indiana: https://kidsvoicein.org/ Facebook: @AnthemMedicaid Instagram: @anthembcbs X (Twitter): @AnthemBCBS LinkedIn: Anthem Blue Cross Blue Shield – Medicaid Health Plans 🎥 Watch the full video episodes on YouTube! Head over to Comfort Cases on YouTube to catch every inspiring conversation: 👉 youtube.com/@comfortcases Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

On this episode of Fostering Change, Rob Scheer is joined by Karen Segal, founder of Photo Safe, a nonprofit dedicated to protecting what many children in foster care often miss: photographs and personal memories. For most families, childhood photos are a given. They capture milestones, friendships, and the small moments that help us understand who we are and where we come from. But for many children experiencing foster care, frequent moves and disrupted connections mean those memories are rarely preserved. Photo Safe was founded to close that gap. Through a network of volunteer photographers, the organization has provided more than 60,000 professionally taken and framed photographs to youth connected to foster care and their families. At the heart of Photo Safe’s work is a commitment to safety and confidentiality. Every image is securely archived and preserved so children can access their memories safely now and decades into the future. In this conversation, Rob and Karen explore why photographs matter for identity, how preserving childhood moments can help young people build a sense of belonging, and why something as simple as a picture can become a powerful anchor in a child’s life. Episode Highlights Why childhood photographs play a vital role in identity and emotional development The often-overlooked reality is that many youth in foster care grow up without documented memories How Photo Safe protects images through secure archival systems and strict confidentiality The lasting emotional impact of framed photographs and preserved milestones How preserving memories helps youth maintain a connection to their own story About the Guest Karen Segal is the founder of Photo Safe, a nonprofit dedicated to preserving childhood photographs for youth in foster care. After a 30-year career in financial technology with firms including Merrill Lynch, Citigroup, and Barclays, she now serves as a Quality Executive at Ernst & Young. Through Photo Safe’s volunteer network of photographers, the organization has provided more than 60,000 framed photographs to children and families connected to foster care while maintaining rigorous standards of privacy, security, and long-term archival preservation. Connect with Photo Safe 🌐 Website: www.photosafe.org 📘 Facebook: facebook.com/photosafe.org 🎥 Watch the full video episodes on YouTube! Head over to Comfort Cases on YouTube to catch every inspiring conversation: 👉 youtube.com/@comfortcases Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

On this episode of Fostering Change, Rob Scheer is joined by his friend, Pedro Andrade, an Emmy Award–winning journalist, producer, and global storyteller whose work explores identity, culture, and what it truly means to be a family. Pedro is the host and producer of the HBO Max documentary series Somewhat Familiar, which follows Pedro and his husband as they adopt a baby and travel the world exploring how families are formed across cultures and communities. One episode of the series is especially meaningful to the Fostering Change community. Episode five featured Rob Scheer and the Scheer family, offering an honest look at foster care, adoption, and what permanency can look like in real life. In this conversation, Rob and Pedro revisit that experience and explore how storytelling can expand our understanding of family, bring visibility to foster care, and inspire more compassionate conversations about belonging. Episode Highlights How media and storytelling can redefine traditional ideas of family Why foster care stories deserve a place in global conversations about belonging Pedro’s experience of becoming a parent and how it shaped his perspective on adoption What the Scheer family story revealed about permanency and resilience The role of documentaries in shifting public understanding and reducing stigma About the Guest Pedro Andrade is an Emmy Award–winning journalist, producer, and global storyteller known for his work exploring culture, identity, and human connection. He is the host and producer of the HBO Max documentary series Somewhat Familiar, which follows Pedro and his husband as they navigate adoption while exploring family structures around the world. Through his work, Pedro highlights diverse stories of belonging and invites audiences to see family through a wider, more compassionate lens. Connect with Pedro 📸 Instagram: @pedroandradeTV 🎬 Series: Somewhat Familiar with Pedro Andrade on HBO Max 🎥 Watch the full video episodes on YouTube! Head over to Comfort Cases on YouTube to catch every inspiring conversation: 👉 youtube.com/@comfortcases Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

On this episode of Fostering Change, Rob Scheer is joined by his friend, Pedro Andrade, an Emmy Award–winning journalist, producer, and global storyteller whose work explores identity, culture, and what it truly means to be a family. Pedro is the host and producer of the HBO Max documentary series Somewhat Familiar, which follows Pedro and his husband as they adopt a baby and travel the world exploring how families are formed across cultures and communities. One episode of the series is especially meaningful to the Fostering Change community. Episode five featured Rob Scheer and the Scheer family, offering an honest look at foster care, adoption, and what permanency can look like in real life. In this conversation, Rob and Pedro revisit that experience and explore how storytelling can expand our understanding of family, bring visibility to foster care, and inspire more compassionate conversations about belonging. Episode Highlights How media and storytelling can redefine traditional ideas of family Why foster care stories deserve a place in global conversations about belonging Pedro’s experience of becoming a parent and how it shaped his perspective on adoption What the Scheer family story revealed about permanency and resilience The role of documentaries in shifting public understanding and reducing stigma About the Guest Pedro Andrade is an Emmy Award–winning journalist, producer, and global storyteller known for his work exploring culture, identity, and human connection. He is the host and producer of the HBO Max documentary series Somewhat Familiar, which follows Pedro and his husband as they navigate adoption while exploring family structures around the world. Through his work, Pedro highlights diverse stories of belonging and invites audiences to see family through a wider, more compassionate lens. Connect with Pedro 📸 Instagram: @pedroandradeTV 🎬 Series: Somewhat Familiar with Pedro Andrade on HBO Max 🎥 Watch the full video episodes on YouTube! Head over to Comfort Cases on YouTube to catch every inspiring conversation: 👉 youtube.com/@comfortcases Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

On this episode of Fostering Change Podcast, Rob Scheer is joined by Temple Lentz — nonprofit CEO, local elected official, and debut novelist — for a thoughtful conversation about what happens when the systems designed to protect vulnerable families don’t always work the way they’re supposed to. Temple is the author of the novel Not Quite Home, which explores the cracks in America’s social service safety net. While the book is fiction, its themes are grounded in real-world experience. Having worked both inside nonprofit leadership and as an elected official, Temple brings a rare systems-level perspective to the conversation. Together, Rob and Temple discuss the gap between policy and lived reality, how well-intentioned systems can sometimes cause unintended harm, and why storytelling may be one of the most powerful tools we have to illuminate the need for reform. Episode Highlights • Why systems meant to help families often fall short • The unintended consequences of well-intentioned policies • What people misunderstand about how social service systems actually function • Why fiction can humanize policy failures more effectively than reports and data • How civic engagement and storytelling can open doors to meaningful reform About the Guest Temple Lentz is a nonprofit CEO, local elected official, and debut novelist. She earned a BA from the University of Chicago and a master’s degree in Organizational Leadership from Claremont Lincoln University. Her writing has appeared in outlets including the Portland Mercury, Vancouver Business Journal, Live Wire! Radio, New City Chicago, and the Windy City Times. Her first novel, Not Quite Home, examines the human impact of systemic gaps within America’s social safety net. Connect with Temple 🌐 Website: templelentzbooks.com 📘 Facebook: Temple Lentz 📸 Instagram: @gototemple 🐦 X/Twitter: @gototemple 🧵 Threads: @gototemple 🔗 LinkedIn: Temple Lentz 🎥 Watch the full video episodes on YouTube! Head over to Comfort Cases on YouTube to catch every inspiring conversation: 👉 youtube.com/@comfortcases Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

On this episode of Fostering Change, Rob Scheer sits down with Dr. Liz DeBetta — an award-winning writer, educator, and solo performance artist whose work explores adoption, trauma, identity, and healing through storytelling. Dr. Liz is the founder of Migrating Toward Wholeness, a trauma-informed, arts-based healing framework, and the author of Adult Adoptees and Writing to Heal. Her work centers on an often-overlooked truth: adoption isn’t a moment — it’s a lifelong identity journey. This conversation is especially meaningful for Rob, who reflects on his own experience adopting his son Alex, who joined the Scheer family at 18 and was formally adopted at 22 — a powerful reminder that belonging and permanency have no age limit. Together, Rob and Dr. Liz explore how adults navigate adoption-related grief and identity, why healing can unfold later in life, and how storytelling becomes a transformative tool for reclaiming voice and wholeness. Episode Highlights Late and adult adoption as meaningful and transformative How writing and embodied storytelling support trauma integration What “wholeness” means for identities shaped by early loss The role adoptive families play in supporting adult adoptees over time About the Guest Dr. Liz DeBetta is an award-winning writer, educator, and solo performance artist whose work focuses on adoption, trauma, and identity through narrative expression. She is the founder of Migrating Toward Wholeness™, the author of Adult Adoptees and Writing to Heal, and the creator of the acclaimed one-woman show Un-M-Othered, which examines adoption and patriarchy through embodied storytelling. Holding a Ph.D. in Interdisciplinary Studies, she blends research, lived experience, and art to support healing and identity integration. Connect with Dr. Liz 🌐 Website: www.lizdebetta.com 📘 Facebook: Dr. Liz DeBetta 📸 Instagram: @dr.liz.debetta 🎵 TikTok: @dr.liz.debetta 🔗 LinkedIn: Liz DeBetta, Ph.D. 🎥 Watch the full video episodes on YouTube! Head over to Comfort Cases on YouTube to catch every inspiring conversation: 👉 youtube.com/@comfortcases Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

This episode of Fostering Change was originally scheduled to air in March — but after recording, Rob Scheer felt the conversation was too important to wait. He personally requested that it be released early so listeners could hear it as soon as possible. Rob is joined by Rachel Bruno, a Nashville-based author, speaker, and advocate whose deeply personal experience with the child welfare system ignited a powerful call for accountability and reform. After her children were unlawfully removed by child protective services, Rachel found herself confronting a system where parental rights, due process, and family integrity are often overlooked. Instead of staying silent, she fought back — ultimately securing a seven-figure civil rights settlement and emerging as a leading national voice for families facing similar injustices. Rachel is the author of Fractured Hope: A Mother’s Fight for Justice and founder of Giver of Light, an organization dedicated to supporting families navigating child welfare involvement. Together, Rob and Rachel discuss hope after trauma, the urgent need for accountability, and why lived experience must guide ethical, child-centered reform. Episode Highlights • How one mother’s fight sparked national conversations about reform • What families experience when due process is ignored • Accountability and justice within child welfare • How Giver of Light supports families in crisis • Why lived experience belongs at the center of policy change 📘 Book Recommendation Rob strongly recommends Rachel’s book: Fractured Hope: A Mother’s Fight for Justice — a powerful firsthand account that exposes the realities families face inside the child welfare system and why reform is urgently needed. 👉 Get the book directly from Rachel: https://rachelbruno.com/book/ Purchasing directly supports her advocacy and helps amplify voices too often unheard. About the Guest Rachel Bruno is an author, speaker, and advocate for parental rights. Her lived experience navigating the child welfare system made her a national leader in reform. After securing a civil rights settlement for the unlawful removal of her children, she authored Fractured Hope and founded Giver of Light. She continues to serve in leadership and advisory roles, promoting family integrity, accountability, and ethical child welfare practices. Connect with Rachel & Giver of Light 🌐 Website: www.thegiveroflight.org 📘 Facebook: facebook.com/rachelbrunospeaks 📸 Instagram: @rachelbrunospeaks 🐦 X/Twitter: @bruno.rachel 🔗 LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/rachelbruno 🎥 Watch the full video episodes on YouTube! Head over to Comfort Cases on YouTube to catch every inspiring conversation: 👉 youtube.com/@comfortcases Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Nonprofits exist to serve people — not paperwork. But too often, outdated financial systems slow growth, strain leadership, and pull focus away from mission-driven work. This week on Fostering Change, Rob Scheer sits down with Stephen Garten, Founder & CEO of Charity Charge, a Public Benefit Corporation built exclusively to support the financial needs of nonprofit organizations. Stephen launched Charity Charge in 2015 after recognizing a widespread problem: nonprofits were forced to rely on banking and financial tools never designed for how they actually operate. Today, Charity Charge serves more than 3,000 nonprofits nationwide, offering nonprofit-specific credit cards, bookkeeping and compliance tools, gift cards, and over $60 million in working capital — empowering leaders to focus on impact instead of infrastructure. Rob and Stephen also reflect on their recent crossover conversation, following Rob’s appearance on Stephen’s podcast, The Charity Charge Nonprofit Spotlight, where they continued discussing leadership, transparency, and sustainability in the social sector. 🎧 Watch or listen to Rob’s interview here: https://www.charitycharge.com/nonprofit-resources/rob-scheer-comfort-cases/ Episode Highlights • Why traditional banking often fails nonprofit organizations • How Charity Charge was built specifically for mission-driven leaders • The connection between financial transparency and donor trust • Lessons learned from supporting thousands of nonprofits nationwide • What it takes to build long-term sustainability without losing sight of mission About the Guest Stephen Garten is the Founder and CEO of Charity Charge, a Public Benefit Corporation providing financial infrastructure built exclusively for nonprofits. Since launching in 2015, Charity Charge has supported more than 3,000 organizations, delivered over $60 million in working capital, and granted more than $1 million through the Charity Charge Foundation. His work has been featured by Forbes, Fast Company, and The Today Show, and he hosts The Charity Charge Nonprofit Spotlight, highlighting nonprofit and social impact leaders across the country. Connect with Charity Charge 🌐 Website: www.charitycharge.com 📘 Facebook: facebook.com/CharityCharge 📸 Instagram: @charitycharge 🐦 X/Twitter: @charitycharge 🔗 LinkedIn: Charity Charge 🎥 Watch the full video episodes on YouTube! Head over to Comfort Cases on YouTube to catch every inspiring conversation: 👉 youtube.com/@comfortcases Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

As Fostering Change continues through Season 7, this episode dives into an urgent but often unseen issue: menstrual and postpartum poverty, and how it impacts girls in foster care and communities around the world. Rob Scheer sits down with Yvonne Esipila Patron, Co-Founder and CEO of the PATESI Foundation, an organization working globally to ensure women and girls have the dignity, resources, and education they deserve. In 2025, Comfort Cases and PATESI began a powerful partnership to make sure no girl entering foster care faces her first night without essential menstrual supplies. Through this collaboration, PATESI donates up to 10,000 emergency menstrual kits each year, included in Comfort Cases® backpacks for girls ages eight and up — providing dignity, protection, and confidence during moments of deep transition. Together, Rob and Yvonne unpack why menstrual poverty remains invisible, why postpartum poverty continues long after childbirth, and why involving men and boys is key to ending stigma and driving real change. Episode Highlights • The global impact of menstrual poverty and why it’s rarely discussed • How entering foster care can make menstruation even more stressful for young girls • What the Comfort Cases × PATESI partnership delivers each year • Why postpartum poverty deserves national attention • How male allyship strengthens long-term solutions About the Guest Yvonne Esipila Patron is the Co-Founder and CEO of the PATESI Foundation, a global nonprofit dedicated to ending menstrual and postpartum poverty. With a background in public health and sustainable development, she has spent her career advancing reproductive health equity, youth empowerment, and community-driven solutions. Connect with PATESI 🌐 Website: www.patesifoundation.org 📘 Facebook: facebook.com/patesifoundation 📸 Instagram: @patesifoundation 🎥 Watch the full video episodes on YouTube! Head over to Comfort Cases on YouTube to catch every inspiring conversation: 👉 youtube.com/@comfortcases Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

As Fostering Change continues into the new year, this episode tackles one of the most urgent issues facing child welfare today: the national shortage of foster parents and what it means for children who need safe, stable homes. Rob Scheer is joined by Kelsey Davis, National Director of Foster Parent Recruitment, and Stacy Brindley, National Treatment Director at StepStone Family & Youth Services. Together, they explore why fewer families are stepping forward, how misconceptions about fostering hinder progress, and why supporting foster parents is essential to better outcomes for children. With more than 343,000 children in foster care and fewer than 200,000 licensed foster homes nationwide, this conversation goes beyond the numbers. Kelsey and Stacy share how StepStone approaches recruitment differently, centers trauma-informed care, and treats the entire family as part of the healing process. Episode Highlights This episode explores why the foster parent shortage continues to grow and how it directly impacts children who need consistency and belonging. The discussion challenges common myths about fostering, explains why recruitment messaging must change, and emphasizes that strong outcomes depend on strong support for foster parents. Listeners also hear why trauma-informed care must include the whole family, not just the child, and how communities can get involved with StepStone through volunteering, respite support, and national initiatives beyond fostering. As Rob notes, “We must get more qualified families to support our youth in foster care.” And as Kelsey reminds us, fostering works best when families know they are not doing it alone. About the Guests Kelsey Davis is the National Director of Foster Parent Recruitment at StepStone Family & Youth Services. A former Title I educator with an MBA in Marketing, she leads national strategies to recruit, train, and retain foster families through people-centered, community-driven outreach. Stacy Brindley is StepStone’s National Treatment Director and a Licensed Clinical Social Worker with nearly 30 years of experience. She has worked across residential treatment, therapeutic foster care, independent living, and in-home services, and now leads trauma-informed and evidence-based practices nationwide. Learn More Website: https://www.stepstoneyouth.com/ 🎥 Watch the full video episodes on YouTube! Head over to Comfort Cases on YouTube to catch every inspiring conversation: 👉 youtube.com/@comfortcases Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In this powerful episode, Rob Scheer sits down with Lindsay Lendyak, South Carolina State Director for Isaiah 117 House, to talk about one of the most overlooked moments in foster care: Removal Day. Instead of children waiting for hours in government offices, Isaiah 117 House creates a warm, home-like space where kids can exhale, eat a meal, change into clean clothes, and feel safe while caseworkers find placement. Lindsay shares why this model is a true game changer for children, foster families, and social workers alike, and how South Carolina is rapidly expanding its footprint. What You Will Hear in This Episode * What Removal Day really looks like, and why so many youth remember it as the hardest day of their lives * How Isaiah 117 House replaces a cold, adult-centered setting with comfort, dignity, and stability * The heart of the model: trauma-informed volunteers providing steady, calm presence during a chaotic moment * How community support builds a stronger system around children and the professionals serving them * South Carolina growth updates, including York County and new houses coming soon Quotes to Highlight * Lindsay on why this matters: “Nearly all of them recount removal day as the worst day of their lives.” * Lindsay on the mission: “We can fix how foster care begins for our kids.” * Lindsay on what kids experience at Isaiah 117 House: “It’s a yes… For a kid who’s lived a life of nos, that is a game changer.” * Lindsay on why the system needs community: “Every single person should help a child in foster care. Full stop.” South Carolina Updates * York County opened September 2025 * Greenville County expected to open early spring 2026 * Horry County fundraising begins February 2026 * Lexington County kickoff coming early 2026 Why This Episode Matters This conversation is a reminder that children enter foster care because of choices other people made, and that the first hours of care should not add trauma. Isaiah 117 House proves that a better beginning is possible, and it starts with community saying yes to dignity. Links and Ways to Connect Main Website: https://isaiah117house.com/York County Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/isaiah117houseyorkcoscYork County Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/isaiah117houseyorkcosc LinkTrees:York County: https://linktr.ee/isaiah117houseyorkcoscGreenville County: https://linktr.ee/isaiah117housegreenvillesc Horry County: https://linktr.ee/isaiah117househorrycosc 🎥 Watch the full video episodes on YouTube! Head over to Comfort Cases on YouTube to catch every inspiring conversation: 👉 youtube.com/@comfortcases Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

As Fostering Change continues into the new year, this episode tackles one of the most urgent — and evolving — challenges facing young people today: staying safe, informed, and supported in a digital world. Rob Scheer is joined by Jenny Coleman, a nationally recognized expert in child welfare and abuse prevention, and a former foster parent whose work is grounded in both professional expertise and lived experience. Jenny serves as Director of Stop It Now!, a national organization focused on preventing child sexual abuse through education and early intervention. She also leads What’s OK?, a first-of-its-kind online platform and free helpline where teens and young adults can anonymously ask questions about relationships, boundaries, sexting, consent, and online behavior — without fear or shame. In this conversation, Jenny helps parents, caregivers, and educators better understand how to talk with young people about tough topics — especially as AI-generated and non-consensual images become an increasing form of peer-driven harm. Episode Highlights Youth Safety in the Digital AgeHow sexting, cyberbullying, and online exploitation are changing — and what adults need to know. New & Alarming TrendsWhy recent data shows a sharp rise in AI-generated inappropriate images targeting teens, most often created and shared by peers. What’s OK?How this research-backed platform empowers youth ages 14–21 to ask honest questions and get reliable guidance. What Caregivers Can DoPractical steps for parents and caregivers, including how to respond, stay connected, and support youth without judgment. A Foster Care PerspectiveWhy trauma-informed, prevention-focused conversations are especially critical for foster and adopted youth. About Jenny Coleman Jenny Coleman, MA, LMHC, has spent more than 30 years working in child welfare as a clinician, educator, and prevention advocate. She is the Director of Stop It Now! and leads What’s OK?, an innovative online resource for youth navigating questions about sexual behavior, consent, and boundaries. A former foster parent and longtime foster care trainer, Jenny brings a compassionate, prevention-centered approach to keeping young people safe. Resources Stop It Now!: www.stopitnow.orgWhat’s OK?: www.whatsok.org ✨ Why This Episode MattersThis episode is a reminder that prevention starts with conversation. When young people have access to trustworthy information — and adults willing to listen without judgment — safety and resilience follow. 🎧 Fostering Change continues next week with another powerful conversation. Thank you for being part of a community committed to protecting, educating, and supporting young people — especially when the topics are hard, but the stakes are high. 🎥 Watch the full video episodes on YouTube! Head over to Comfort Cases on YouTube to catch every inspiring conversation: 👉 youtube.com/@comfortcases Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

As we continue an exciting new year of Fostering Change, this episode centers on possibility — what happens when lived experience, research, and belief in young people come together to rewrite outcomes. This week, Rob Scheer is joined by Dr. (Candidate) Shanté Elliott, a learning scientist, social innovator, and founder of TasselTurn — an organization reimagining how children in foster care and students experiencing housing insecurity move through school, graduation, and the transition to adulthood. Having experienced foster care herself, Shanté brings rare and powerful insight to her work. She blends academic research, technology, and deep empathy to help children in foster care not only stay in school, but truly see themselves as capable, worthy, and supported. What began in 2020 with a $300 grant has grown into a nationally recognized platform connecting young people with coaching, mentorship, and meaningful incentives tied to educational milestones. Now a PhD candidate at Northwestern University, Shanté has been recognized as a Forbes Changemaker, L’Oréal Paris Woman of Worth, and Echoing Green Fellow, with her work featured in Forbes, The Imprint, and Reader’s Digest. In this conversation, she shares how education — when paired with trust and opportunity — can become a powerful pathway to stability, confidence, and economic mobility for children in foster care. 🎧 Episode Highlights Education & Foster Care The real barriers children in foster care face in completing high school and navigating what comes next — and why traditional systems often fall short. The TasselTurn Model How personalized coaching, milestone-based incentives, and digital tools keep children in foster care engaged and supported. Tech for Good Using technology to track progress, close equity gaps, and create accountability that centers student success. Lived Experience as Leadership How Shanté’s own foster care journey informs her research, innovation, and belief in changing — not “beating” — the odds. Why It Matters The long-term impact of investing in education as a tool to disrupt cycles of poverty and instability for children in foster care. Shanté Elliott is a learning scientist, social entrepreneur, and founder of TasselTurn — a national platform supporting children in foster care and students experiencing housing insecurity through key educational milestones. A former child in foster care and first-generation college graduate, she is currently a PhD candidate at Northwestern University, where her research focuses on educational identity and narrative. Since launching TasselTurn in 2020 with just $300, Shanté has built a nationally recognized organization rooted in the belief that young people deserve more than survival — they deserve systems designed for their success. 🔗 Connect with Shanté & TasselTurn Website: www.tasselturn.org Instagram: @tasselturn LinkedIn: TasselTurn ✨ Why This Episode Matters This conversation is a powerful reminder that when we stop asking children in foster care to overcome broken systems — and instead commit to changing those systems — futures shift. Shanté Elliott isn’t just turning tassels; she’s helping young people step into adulthood with confidence, support, and real opportunity. 🎧 Fostering Change continues next week with another powerful conversation as Season 7 unfolds. Thank you for listening, believing, and being part of a community that shows up for children in foster care — not just in words, but in action. If you have questions or a guest suggestion, please reach out to our producer at dthalberg@comfortcases.org. 🎥 Watch the full video episodes on YouTube! Head over to Comfort Cases on YouTube to catch every inspiring conversation: 👉 youtube.com/@comfortcases Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Happy New Year from all of us at Fostering Change! We hope you had a joyful holiday season filled with rest, connection, and moments that centered what matters most. As we step into 2026 together, we’re excited to continue bringing you meaningful conversations that uplift, educate, and inspire. Season 7 is already shaping up to be one of our most impactful yet — and we’re thrilled to kick off the year with today’s guest. 🎙 Introduction This week, Rob Scheer is joined by Dr. Brandi Kelly, an award-winning educator, licensed clinical social worker, leadership coach, and founder of Spark HOPE Edu. For more than 20 years, Dr. Kelly has served children and families as a school social worker, principal, and superintendent, always guided by her belief in the transformative power of H.O.P.E. — Habits, Optimistic Outlook, Purpose, and Excellence. Her approach blends emotional wellness, compassionate leadership, and practical tools that empower students — especially those experiencing trauma, foster care, or instability — to build resilience and recognize their inherent worth. Through Spark HOPE Edu and her coaching programs, Dr. Kelly now equips caregivers, educators, and community leaders to create environments where every child feels safe, supported, and capable of thriving. Her message is the perfect way to begin a new year: intentional, uplifting, and rooted in the belief that we can all lead with hope. Main Topic / Theme How Dr. Kelly’s H.O.P.E. framework cultivates resilience, emotional wellness, and confidence in children — particularly those who have experienced trauma — by equipping the adults who support them to lead with compassion, clarity, and purpose. Key Discussion Points Resilience Through H.O.P.E. How Habits, Optimistic Outlook, Purpose, and Excellence help youth overcome adversity and build self-worth. Education + Healing Why collaboration between educators, caregivers, and social workers is essential for children in foster or kinship care. Leadership for Youth Helping children see themselves as leaders regardless of their circumstances. Coaching for Connection Dr. Kelly’s January 2026 six-week cohort designed to help adults strengthen resilience and relational skills using the H.O.P.E. model. Guest Bio Dr. Brandi Kelly is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker, award-winning educator, and founder of Spark HOPE Edu. Over her two-decade career, she has served as a school social worker, principal, and superintendent — earning multiple leadership awards. Her H.O.P.E. framework (Habits, Optimistic Outlook, Purpose, Excellence) provides a roadmap for helping youth—and the adults who guide them—build resilience and belonging. She is the author of Lead with H.O.P.E. and host of the Lead with HOPE podcast. Connect with Dr. Kelly Website: www.sparkhopeedu.com Facebook: @LTW24 Instagram: @leadwithhope.23 LinkedIn: Dr. Brandi Kelly ✨ A New Year Note from Fostering Change As we launch into 2026, we want to thank you — our listeners — for being part of this powerful community. We hope your holiday season was restful and meaningful, and that this new year brings purpose, possibility, and renewed hope. We’re excited to continue this incredible Season 7 journey with you. Fostering Change returns next Tuesday with another inspiring conversation as we work together to support children, families, and caregivers across the country. Here’s to a year of compassion, courage, and making a difference — one story, one act, and one child at a time. Happy New Year, and thank you for being GOOD HUMANS. 🎉 🎥 Watch the full video episodes on YouTube! Head over to Comfort Cases on YouTube to catch every inspiring conversation: 👉 youtube.com/@comfortcases Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

As we close out an extraordinary year of Fostering Change, Rob Scheer welcomes Becky Santoro, Co-Founder and Executive Director of Foster Village Charlotte — a nonprofit reshaping foster care by focusing on the people raising and supporting children every day: foster, kinship, and birth families. A former educator and foster parent herself, Becky witnessed firsthand how overwhelmed and isolated caregivers can feel. She also saw something powerful: children thrive when the adults caring for them are supported, equipped, and connected. That realization led her to co-found Foster Village Charlotte in 2018 — a community-driven model that has since expanded nationwide through a growing network of Foster Village affiliates. Today, Becky and her team not only serve families across the Charlotte region, but also coach and mentor emerging affiliates across the U.S., helping communities build their own “village” of wraparound care. From practical resources to emotional connection to dignified, trauma-informed visitation spaces, Foster Village is reimagining what it means to care for children by caring for the caregivers who love them. 🎙️ In This Episode, Rob and Becky Discuss: • Why Foster Village exists and how it bridges gaps between foster, kinship, and birth families • The powerful connection between caregiver support and positive child outcomes • The Connection Cottage — a trauma-informed, dignified visitation center helping families reconnect • How Foster Village Charlotte coaches and mentors new affiliates nationwide • The Foster the Movement year-end funding campaign supporting urgent needs into 2026 • What resilience, compassion, and community look like in action — and what gives Becky hope for the future This uplifting conversation is the perfect way to wrap up 2025 — rooted in gratitude, connection, and the reminder that we build stronger futures when we build them together. 👤 Guest Bio Becky Santoro is the Co-Founder and Executive Director of Foster Village Charlotte, an organization providing holistic support for foster, kinship, and birth families. Since 2018, Becky has grown Foster Village Charlotte into a cornerstone of community care while mentoring new Foster Village affiliates across the country. Her work strengthens families, builds community, and empowers children to thrive. 🔗 Connect with Foster Village Charlotte 🌐 Website: https://www.fostervillagecharlotte.org 💙 Foster the Movement Year-End Campaign: https://www.fostervillagecharlotte.org/foster-the-movement-2025 📘 Facebook: Foster Village Charlotte 📸 Instagram: @fostervillagecharlotte 💼 LinkedIn: Foster Village Charlotte 🎄 From Our Family to Yours — Happy New Year! As we celebrate this holiday season, we wish you a New Year filled with hope, compassion, and community. Thank you for listening, sharing, and helping raise awareness for children and families impacted by foster care. ✨ Fostering Change returns next Tuesday as we continue an incredible Season 7. More powerful conversations. More inspiring leaders. More reminders of the change we can create together. Until then — thank you for being GOOD HUMANS. 🎥 Watch the full video episodes on YouTube! Head over to Comfort Cases on YouTube to catch every inspiring conversation: 👉 youtube.com/@comfortcases Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

As we head into Christmas week, Fostering Change brings you an extraordinary story of resilience, determination, and transformation. Rob Scheer is joined by Carolyn Aronson, founder and CEO of It’s A 10 Haircare — one of the most successful Latina-owned beauty brands in the world. Carolyn’s journey began in foster care, where she learned independence, grit, and perseverance at a young age. From those early experiences, she built a career as a hairstylist and salon owner before creating a single product that would change the beauty industry forever. Today, It’s A 10 Haircare is a billion-dollar global brand, selling more than 10 million bottles annually in over 130 countries, and inspiring a new generation of entrepreneurs. Beyond her business success, Carolyn is a devoted philanthropist whose generosity supports foster care organizations, youth empowerment, LGBTQ+ advocacy, disaster relief efforts, and workforce development programs. Her message is simple yet powerful: success isn’t measured only by what you build — but by how you give back. In this inspiring conversation, Rob and Carolyn explore how her time in foster care shaped her vision, the creation and growth of an iconic global brand, and why purpose and philanthropy remain central to her work. In this episode, Rob and Carolyn discuss: How Carolyn’s early experiences in foster care fueled her ambition and compassion The creation and explosive growth of It’s A 10 Haircare Building a billion-dollar company rooted in authenticity, quality, and empowerment High-profile collaborations with DJ Khaled, Fat Joe, Travis Kelce, Tyson Beckford, and more Her commitment to philanthropy — from pandemic aid to wildfire relief to youth empowerment The upcoming 20th anniversary of It’s A 10 in 2026 Carolyn’s forthcoming book on beauty, confidence, and perseverance About Carolyn Aronson Carolyn Aronson is a self-made Latina billionaire, entrepreneur, and philanthropist. After navigating the foster care system, she built It’s A 10 Haircare into a global beauty powerhouse now valued at over $1 billion. Her Rewind It 10 men’s line has earned national attention through celebrity collaborations, and she has donated millions in products and funding to causes nationwide. Carolyn continues to inspire through her message of grit, generosity, and reinvention. Connect with Carolyn: 🌐 Website: www.itsa10haircare.com 📸 Instagram: @itsa10ceo 🎄 From all of us at Fostering Change, we wish a very Merry Christmas to those who celebrate, and a joyful and peaceful holiday season to all. 🎙️ Don’t miss our final episode of 2025, airing next week — a special year-end conversation you won’t want to miss. 🎧 If you enjoyed this episode, please like, comment, and share. Your support helps us continue lifting up stories that inspire real change. 🎥 Watch the full video episodes on YouTube! Head over to Comfort Cases on YouTube to catch every inspiring conversation: 👉 youtube.com/@comfortcases Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

This week on Fostering Change, Rob welcomes a cherished friend and longtime champion of Comfort Cases — actress, producer, author, and foster care advocate Jen Lilley. While millions know Jen from her work in television and film, her most meaningful role has been off-camera: as a foster and adoptive mother deeply committed to supporting children and families in crisis. Jen recently served as emcee for the 2025 Fostering Futures Gala — her second time hosting Comfort Cases’ signature event — and continues to use her platform to elevate foster care awareness nationwide. In this heartfelt conversation, Rob and Jen dive into themes of faith, courage, storytelling, and the transformational impact fostering has had on Jen’s life. They also explore her book, Wake Up Your Faith, and her upcoming 2026 release, Called to Foster? In this episode, Rob and Jen discuss: • Why Jen remains deeply committed to Comfort Cases and the foster care community • Her book Wake Up Your Faith and the message she hopes readers embrace • Called to Foster?, a forthcoming guide for prospective foster parents • What fostering and adopting two children taught her about love, patience, and identity • How Jen balances motherhood, advocacy, and a thriving entertainment career • The responsibility and privilege of using her platform to inspire compassion • Practical encouragement for anyone considering fostering or adoption ⸻ Guest Bio Jen Lilley is an award-winning actress, producer, author, and passionate child welfare advocate. She has appeared in an Academy Award–winning film, starred in multiple Emmy-winning series, and featured in a wide range of beloved movies. Off-screen, Jen is a devoted mother to two children adopted from foster care and a powerful voice for families navigating the child welfare system. She is the author of Wake Up Your Faith and the upcoming Called to Foster?, arriving May 2026. Jen is also a treasured supporter of Comfort Cases and recently served as emcee for the 2025 Fostering Futures Gala. ⸻ Connect with Jen Website: www.jenlilley.com Facebook: facebook.com/JenLilleyOfficial Instagram: @Jen_Lilley X (Twitter): @Jen_Lilley 🎧 After you listen, please like, comment, and share the episode to help us continue raising awareness for children in foster care. 📅 New episodes of Fostering Change drop every Tuesday. Questions or guest suggestions? Email dthalberg@comfortcases.org 🎥 Watch the full video episodes on YouTube! Head over to Comfort Cases on YouTube to catch every inspiring conversation: 👉 youtube.com/@comfortcases Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

As we move deeper into the holiday season, Fostering Change continues to shine a light on the small acts of kindness that create powerful, lasting impact. This week, Rob Scheer sits down with his longtime friend Luke Mickelson, founder of Sleep in Heavenly Peace (SHP) — a nonprofit built on one simple mission: “No kid sleeps on the floor in our town.” What started in 2012, when Luke built a single bed for a family in need, has grown into a global movement. Today, SHP has 400+ chapters across 46 states and 4 countries, and has delivered nearly 300,000 beds to children who would otherwise be sleeping on the floor. As Luke shares: “When I found out a child was sleeping on a pile of clothes, it changed me. I realized I could sit there and do nothing, or I could get my feet on the ground and build another bed.” SHP empowers communities to take action by building beds locally, training new chapters, and helping neighbors come together through service — proving that every community can solve this issue in its own backyard. In this episode, Rob and Luke discuss: How one small idea grew into a global movement The often unseen crisis of child bedlessness SHP’s “Humans Helping Humans” approach to volunteerism What it takes to start a chapter in your own community Why staying focused on a simple mission fuels sustainable growth Luke’s story is a powerful reminder that transformative change often begins with a single decision to help someone else. 👉 Learn more & get involved: Website: www.shpbeds.org Facebook: facebook.com/SHPLuke Instagram: instagram.com/lukemickelson X: x.com/ShpLuke 🎧 After listening, please like, comment, and share the episode so more people can join the mission to ensure no child in your town sleeps on the floor. For guest suggestions or questions, email dthalberg@comfortcases.org. 🎥 Watch the full video episodes on YouTube! Head over to Comfort Cases on YouTube to catch every inspiring conversation: 👉 youtube.com/@comfortcases Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

This week on Fostering Change, Rob Scheer is joined by Dionna Carter, founder of the Foster Teen Christmas Outreach, an initiative that began in 2019 and has now raised more than $1.3 million in gift cards for teens in foster care. As Dionna explains, “Teens are often forgotten during the holidays — everyone wants to buy toys for the little kids, but teens also want to feel included and seen.” What started with one county has grown into a statewide movement, driven by simple generosity and community partnership. Each year, thousands of youth receive gift cards that offer dignity, autonomy, and a reminder that their community cares. Dionna also leads the Foster Hope Holiday Fest, happening Sunday, December 7 in Columbus, Ohio — a resource fair designed to support youth preparing to age out of foster care. “We wanted to be a bridge,” Dionna shares, “because so many teens lose support networks as they age out. This event shows them that help is available.” In this episode, Rob and Dionna discuss: How a small idea grew into a statewide giving movement Why gift cards matter for teens in foster care during the holidays The impact of the Foster Hope Holiday Fest and how the community can participate How listeners anywhere can start similar outreach efforts in their own counties Dionna’s message is simple and powerful: “Even if you impact one youth, it is so worth it.” Learn More & Support: Foster Hope Holiday Fest – December 7, Columbus, OH https://onedotchurch.churchcenter.com/registrations/events/3054175 Website: www.dionnacarter.com Instagram: @FlyAndShyyy Facebook: Dionna Carter LinkedIn: Dionna Carter 🎧 After you listen, please like, comment, and share the episode to help spread hope and support to teens who need it most this holiday season. 🎥 Watch the full video episodes on YouTube! Head over to Comfort Cases on YouTube to catch every inspiring conversation: 👉 youtube.com/@comfortcases Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

As we close out National Adoption Awareness Month, Fostering Change honors the advocates, parents, and changemakers who work to ensure every child waiting in foster care finds a permanent, loving family. This week, host Rob Scheer welcomes back Marcy Bursac, nationally recognized adoption advocate, author, podcast host, and adoptive mom. After adopting siblings from foster care, Marcy founded The Forgotten Adoption Option, developed free tools used by over 12,000 prospective parents, and launched a national reading program to help normalize adoption conversations in schools. Her new book, It’s Okay to Talk About Adoption, invites people to open their hearts and conversations—because when we talk about adoption, we help waiting children find families faster. In this episode, Rob and Marcy explore: Why conversations matter “There are more than 100,000 children in U.S. foster care waiting for adoption—and many adults do not know adoption from foster care is often free. Awareness can change outcomes.” The Forgotten Adoption Option How her nonprofit breaks down barriers and helps families navigate adoption with clarity and confidence. Her new book “We need to give people permission to talk about adoption—without fear, stigma, or shame.” Marcy’s message is powerful: “Every time someone starts a conversation about adoption, a waiting child or sibling group moves one step closer to a permanent family.” Book Release Update It’s Okay to Talk About Adoption is now available in audiobook and eBook formats. Paperback pre-orders are open through January 15, 2026. Purchase links: Kindle: https://bit.ly/4oDvifp BookBaby: https://store.bookbaby.com/book/it%E2%80%99s-okay-to-talk-about-adoption Audiobook available on Apple Books, Google Play, Chirp, eStories, Hoopla, OverDrive, and Everand. Learn More Website: www.forgottenadoptionoption.org Instagram: @marcybursac | @forgottenadoptionoption After listening, please like, comment, and share our podcast. Your support helps expand the conversation and bring awareness to the thousands of children waiting in foster care. As we conclude National Adoption Awareness Month, we invite you to keep talking—in your homes, schools, and communities. Every conversation helps move a child closer to belonging. New episodes release every Tuesday. Questions, comments, or guest suggestions: dthalberg@comfortcases.org Thank you for listening and for being a good human. 🎥 Watch the full video episodes on YouTube! Head over to Comfort Cases on YouTube to catch every inspiring conversation: 👉 youtube.com/@comfortcases Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.